An Alternative Approach for the Synthesis of Zinc Aluminate Nanoparticles for CO and Propane Sensing Applications

Abstract

We implemented a simple and inexpensive aqueous sol-gel process to synthesize ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles to study its potential application as a gas sensor. Compared to traditional ceramic methods, the synthesis was conducted at lower temperatures and reaction times (5 h from 200 °C). The crystalline evolution of the oxide was investigated. The effect of the calcination temperature (200–1000 °C) on the crystallites’ size (16–29 nm) and the ZnAl2O4 powder’s surface morphology was also analyzed. Measurements confirmed the formation of bar-shaped granules (~0.35 μm) made up of nanoparticles (~23 nm). The surface area of the powders was 60 m2/g. Pellets were made from the powders and tested in sensing carbon monoxide and propane gases, showing a high sensitivity to such gases. The sensor’s response increased with increasing temperature (25–300 °C) and gas concentration (0–300 ppm). The oxide showed a higher response in propane than in carbon monoxide. We concluded that the ZnAl2O4 is a good candidate for gas sensing applications.